There’s a reason we all find ourselves reaching for moisturizing hair formulas in the winter: The combination of the harsh cold air outside and the heater-induced dry air inside can do a real number on your strands’ hydration levels. This can lead to all sorts of unwanteds like split ends, breakage, and dullness. And even if you do everything right (like conditioning your hair the right way or staying away from sulfates in your shampoo), you might find yourself struggling.
Selecting the right ingredient to quench your hair’s thirst can be tricky because, like most things in life, this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Pinpointing the one to look for in your shampoo, conditioner, and mask/treatment that meets your hair’s specific needs takes a little knowledge. But no need to study up here—we’ve broken down your options by hair type and concern.
Just find your category below and follow the advice to make this the season of the softest, silkiest, healthiest hair of your life.
If your hair is very dry and/or curly…
Coarse hair may be able to take a richer moisturizer like the Shea Butter in our Shea Butter collection. This special smoother is a superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and is rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients. When added to conditioners and masks, it is known to smooth the hair, eliminating frizz, tangles, and dullness while upping shine. And our version of the ingredient isn’t just good for your hair, it’s sourced responsibly as well. Our 100% ethically wild-harvested raw Shea Butter is supplied by a member of the QualiTree program, which aims to reduce poverty by establishing food security and income to local communities in West Africa.
Looking for the highest level of moisture you can get? Try our Shea Butter Intense Oil or Shea Butter Intense Mask.
If you have thin, fine, or limp hair…
You need an ultra-lightweight hydrator like the Green Coconut Water in our Full Bown Volume collection. A clear liquid found inside of coconuts, this stuff is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids—all of which you want for healthy hair. This wonder ingredient will help ensure that your strands stay moisturized without getting weighed down, which makes it an especially great choice for thinning hair. The end result: bouncy, full-looking strands.
P.S. Here’s how to use the Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizing Spray like a hairstylist.
If you’re battling damage…
Damaged hair is more porous, so you need to be mindful to not only choose ingredients that add moisture but also prevent it from evaporating right out again. For this, you want a combination of a nourishing, elasticity-improving hydrator like protein-rich Rice Camargue and protective ingredients like Ceramides to hold all that good moisture in. You can find both in our Super Strength Shampoo, Conditioner, and Mask. When used together, the three products in this line have been proven to reduce breakage by 50 percent after one use.
If you have dull, frizzy hair…
You want a light-reflecting, smoothing moisturizer like Olive Oil. Rich in emollients including oleic acid and squalene, it strengthens the hair shaft and smooths out the roughness of hair cuticles to give you the look of shinier, smoother hair. Our version (found in our Brilliant Gloss collection) is cold-pressed and organic, to make sure you’re getting the highest quality possible. Try it in Brilliant Gloss Shampoo, Conditioner, and Multi-Tasker Perfecting Crème.
If you have an oily scalp but dry hair…
Look for sebum regulators like the Salicylic Acid in our Apple Cider Detox Shampoo. This beta-hydroxy acid works to mildly dissolve scaly, dead skin cells while helping to regulate moisture levels and reduce irritation for healthier hair and a happier scalp. To maximize the benefits, try it after our Apple Cider Detox Scrub, which eliminates debris and product build-up so your shampoo can work more effectively.
For those struggling to find the Goldie Locks sweet spot in their moisturizer, CBD (or cannabidiol) is another way to go. This non-THC extract is rich in nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants and helps keep the scalp and hair hydrated while preventing moisture loss. In our CBD line, we’ve coupled it with Aloe Vera, which also helps to get rid of excess sebum and residue that can prevent moisturizing ingredients from absorbing into the hair. It’s a one-two punch that can lead to hitting just the right note.
If you read all this and still don’t know where to start…
When in doubt, try Glycerin. This cuticle-smoother helps to soften rough areas while forming a protective barrier on the hair that’s pretty much a winter must. That’s why you can find it in our Apple Cider Detox Rinse and our Shea Butter collection. It makes for a great finisher to any hair routine, especially for those seeking to stay moisturized.
